The Force of a United Community
Our Campaign for Continued Success builds on what we’ve already proven together — that community effort creates real impact. This isn’t about starting over, it’s about carrying momentum forward: stabilizing what we’ve built, expanding what works, and ensuring the resources we all depend on continue to thrive for the long haul.
7,708
Local Grocery orders fulfilled through the Co-op in under 18 months.
2400,000 lbs
Estimated CO₂ reduction from shorter supply chains.
15.9x
Economic return achieved for every dollar invested.
3,000 (+++)
Volunteer hours contributed to FCC initiatives.
1,425+
Vendor Booths filled over the past 5 years
95%
Reduction in food miles compared to national averages.
$140,000+
Direct income paid to local farmers, producers, and other creatives
100% Community Backed
No large grants. No corporate funding. Just people believing this matters.
We Started a Farmer's Market, a Food Co-op, a rural development Podcast, and purchased 1.3 Acres for a Community Center
Families, farmers, food, and the conversations that hold them together — our work is all about creating the connections that make rural life strong. From fresh groceries to seasonal markets, from shared spaces to shared stories, these initiatives form the everyday infrastructure our community today and tomorrow can count on.
How it Started | Where We Are Going
5 Years of Faith and We're Here
In just five years, Friedens Community Center has grown from a single market into a foundation for local food, shared space, and community life. Through challenges and breakthroughs, what’s kept us here is simple: faith in each other, and the belief that when we move together, we endure.
New Melle Country Market Launched
The very first step toward what would become Friedens Community Center was the launch of the New Melle Country Market in spring 2021. For the first time, local farmers, bakers, and makers had a consistent place to gather in the
First Fall Festival
Later that same year, the first Fall Festival brought a new dimension to the market. More than a shopping event, it became a community celebration filled with local vendors, music, and family activities. The festival proved that the market could
Food Co-op Concept Developed
Building on the success of the market, leaders and volunteers began imagining a year-round model that could give residents access to local food every day, not just on weekends. In the spring of 2022, the initial concept for the New
Now we are ready, and we need your help to turn our small scale operation into something sustainable for Generations to Come
Campaing for Continued Success
What we’ve built so far has shown what’s possible: a volunteer-powered model that moves hundreds of thousands of dollars into local food, provides a place for neighbors to gather, and offers real support where it’s needed. These first years have been proof-of-concept — a small-scale operation run with determination, resourcefulness, and faith in each other.
Proof alone won’t secure the future. To make this work sustainable for generations, we need the investment that turns fragile momentum into lasting infrastructure. With your help, we can stabilize operations, expand our reach, and ensure the systems we’ve built together continue to serve families, farmers, and our future children for years to come.
accent heading
What's our Goals?
Reopen the New Melle Food Co-op, now as a Local Cafe/Grocery Hybrid
The Co-op will return as the centerpiece of our work — not only providing fresh, local groceries but also a café where neighbors can eat, gather, and connect. This hybrid model creates steady revenue while giving families year-round access to the food and fellowship they’ve been asking for.
Renovate our Space to Host Regular Public Events
Our building is already a trusted gathering place. With thoughtful renovations, it can become a true hub for community life — hosting concerts, classes, and celebrations that bring people together week after week. These improvements will make the space more welcoming, flexible, and ready for public use.
Provide Free Community Resources, Experiences, and Education
From experiences and events to family programs and practical support, FCC has always believed resources should be accessible to everyone. Funding will allow us to offer more free experiences and educational opportunities that empower people, strengthen families, and create a culture of shared growth.
Challenges We're Facing
We’ve proven what’s possible with almost nothing when people work together, but real sustainability takes more than persistence. These challenges are the gaps between what we’ve built and what the community truly needs. Naming them clearly is how we move forward with integrity.
Stretching too Far with Too Little
Every initiative we’ve built has run on slim resources and volunteer energy. It proves what’s possible, but also leaves us vulnerable — one shortfall in funding can pause the very programs families depend on.
Local Food without Local Access
We have farmers growing incredible food, but without consistent outlets, families struggle to buy it and farms struggle to stay afloat. The co-op and café are designed to fix that gap — but only if resourced well.
Space that Needs Support to Last
Our building anchors markets, events, and shared life in New Melle. But without stable revenue and funding for upkeep, this vital community hub risks becoming another underused space instead of the beating heart it was built to be.
Time to Set Down Roots
Phase 1 Goal = $132,000
This first phase is about securing our foundation. By reaching $132,000, we can cover immediate startup needs, reopen the Co-op as a café/grocery hybrid, and begin essential renovations. Every dollar in this phase stabilizes operations so the community feels the impact right away. This phase is active now — your pledge moves us forward today.
August 25th - September 24th
Active
Phase 2 Goal = $132,000
The second phase ensures long-term sustainability. These funds will complete renovations, expand programming, and give us the working capital to keep momentum strong through the new year. Together, Phase 1 and Phase 2 fully fund our Campaign for Continued Success — setting FCC up not just to restart, but to thrive for years to come.
November 1st - December 31st
Active
What Happens Following Campaign Success?
We’ve named the gaps honestly — and now we’re ready to close them. With your support, we can launch the café and co-op, strengthen our shared hub, and secure the stability this community deserves for the long run.
See Full Use of FundsReopen the Co-op, and Launch Café
Funds reopen the familiar co-op, and launch the daily hub for meals, groceries, and connection in the cafe — creating reliable hours, fair wages, and a space families can count on.
Strengthen the Community Hub
Investment upgrades and maintains our shared building so it can host events, classes, and gatherings year-round — a lasting backbone for community life.
Secure Long-Term Stability
Campaign resources create the financial cushion to weather challenges, ensuring FCC remains steady, resilient, and sustainable for the years ahead.
5 Years of Planning (and counting) For This
Years of work, research, late nights, and community input are behind what you see today. For us, transparency is important every step of the way. We’ve shared everything regarding who we are, what we’ve done, and what we plan to do. Explore our data room where you will find the plans, the proof, and the next steps forward
- Master Planning Document
- Pitch Deck
- Board Member Profiles
- Financial Plans
- Photo Gallery By Initiatives
- Our Guiding Values
It Takes a Village
Make a Zero Risk Pledge Today
Campaign For Continued Success
Unlike other donation models, our campaign is using a conditional pledge program. This means you make a pledge today, no money exchanged, and only if we reach our goal, will we reach out to collect your pledge.
Everything Counts
